What I especially like about Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks is its easy accessibility. If you're a little out of touch with your Mortal Kombat lore, or if you haven't played the game since MK2, or if you haven't ever played MK at all, Shaolin Monks eases you in and provides all the tools for you to get up to speed.

Apart from actually putting together a completely decent gameplay engine, Shaolin Monks is so ridiculously chock-full of hidden goodies and subtle wink-and-nod-style in-jokes that anybody who professes to have a degree in MK will be hard-pressed not to come away entertained.

If you're looking for a fight you came to the right place. If you're looking for something more than just a fight you've also come to the right place. Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks puts the mental fun back in fundamental.

The Xbox's advantage is, of course, graphics. Here the character models don't look as flat and the textures feature slightly more intricate detail. The world is still pretty blocky, but with a decent framerate and solid effects, we can accept that.

It offers a stellar single-player adventure mode experience, a ton of unlockables, a comprehensive two-player versus mode, and best of all, the original freakin' "Mortal Kombat II" arcade game. For all of these different modes in a single game, the price tag is practically a steal.

Definitely an experience that is best shared, but even if you do find yourself playing alone, you will be able to immerse yourself into a surprisingly deep story and wonderful fantasy world of Asian-influenced culture that is loaded with non-stop and brutal action.

Shaolin Monks' replay value could use a jump-start or two from Raiden's fingertips. Despite an arcade port of Mortal Kombat II and a two-player versus mode, there's simply not enough "kontent" to justify a purchase for most.

Along with the many hidden features in the game, power ups, skills you can gain, the latest entry into the long line of Mortal Kombat games is definitely worth checking out and has our hopes up that there will be future installments.

A shining triumph of beat 'em up glory, spinning off from the traditional MK one-on-one gameplay and showing us all just how excellent the old-school beat 'em up can be in this current generation of gaming.

Were it not for the sometimes-unclear objectives (coupled with a tough-to-follow map); puzzles that almost always involve throwing an enemy into a wall, spikes, and the like; and some minor annoyances, this one would be award worthy.

It's certainly not a 'Klassic' by any stretch of the imagination - and it may not feature the cutting-edge style of other titles - but its furious fighting and mostly wonderful boss encounters provided many hours of enjoyment.

It's a game that will certainly appeal to MK fans thanks to its self-referencing details, but more than that, Shaolin Monks will appeal to action/adventure fans in general thanks to a very solid combat system that surpasses previous attempts at multi-directions 3D combat.

The game has its flaws- some of the platforming areas are a pain in the neck- but Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks is probably the best thing to happen to Kombat fans in the past five or six years. If you're a fan of the series, or even a fan of fighters in general, pick this one up.

If you love all things MK, you'll see Shaolin Monks as a special milestone in the franchise and a reward for your loyalty. Otherwise, it's just a fun brawling diversion with lots of gloopy blood and two unlockable characters. Either way, it's good stuff.

Shaolin Monks redeems itself by not only keeping the tone of the series perfectly intact, but crafting around it a solid beat-em-up engine with moves aplenty, outstanding two player support, and cool little touches here and there for the avid MK fan. TOASTY!

The nostalgia packed in the game is amazing, and better yet, you can unlock "Mortal Kombat II." Still, you can't help but feel the creators made this only as a 'thank you' for the hardcore rather than for everyone else to play.

Based on how I thought this was going to turn out, I'm very impressed. The gameplay is similar to Ninja Gaiden, but not half as Based on how I thought this was going to turn out, I'm very impressed. The gameplay is similar to Ninja Gaiden, but not half as difficult. There's plenty of secrets to unlock and plenty of reasons to play through this one several times. Graphics and sound are great. Controls are tight. And all of your favorite MK characters are there...what more do you need?…Full Review »

DaveP.

Oct 13, 2005

9

Adventure vs old school mk... mksm is cool allowing the gamer travel through the past 6 mortal kombat levels and an unlockable mk2 Adventure vs old school mk... mksm is cool allowing the gamer travel through the past 6 mortal kombat levels and an unlockable mk2 game.......yum.....…Full Review »